Jonathan Pearlman

University of Pittsburgh, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Papers

Total Citations

109

H-Index

About

Jonathan Pearlman is a leading researcher in rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology, with a focus on improving mobility and quality of life for people with disabilities, particularly veterans. His work centers on the design, provision, and performance of manual wheelchairs, addressing critical gaps between user needs and available technologies. Pearlman’s major contributions include landmark survey studies that amplify the voices of consumers and providers—his 2018 paper “The Voice of the Consumer” (53 citations) and its companion provider survey (41 citations) have shaped research priorities by identifying real-world barriers in assistive technology access. He also advanced the scientific understanding of wheelchair mechanics through a scoping review on rolling resistance (15 citations), linking this drag force to upper-limb injuries and informing better design standards. With over 100 cumulative citations, Pearlman’s work has directly influenced policy and product development, ensuring that assistive devices are not only functional but also user-centered. His research empowers clinicians, engineers, and policymakers to create more effective mobility solutions, making him a pivotal figure in rehabilitation science.